The closure marks the second day of their nationwide strike, which began in response to the brutal attack on NLC National President Joe Ajaero
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have officially closed the doors to the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The closure marks the second day of their nationwide strike, which began in response to the brutal attack on NLC National President Joe Ajaero and other leaders in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
By 9:00 am on Wednesday, all gates leading to the National Assembly were securely locked, following partial disruptions to activities on the preceding day. Notably, the Presidential villa gate connecting to the legislative complex remained accessible exclusively to security personnel and essential workers.
Despite the significant impact on daily proceedings, the National Assembly management has not issued a statement regarding the situation at the time of this report. Journalists, legislative aides, and members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), aligned with the organised labour, were among those denied entry.
The strike, initiated on Tuesday, had earlier seen a partial disruption, leaving motorists and staff stranded for hours. The NLC had listed six demands, including the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Chinasa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. According to the NLC, Nwaneri led the attack on workers on November 7, when President Ajaero was assaulted at the NLC state secretariat in Owerri during the governorship election.
The labour unions also called for the arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of police officers involved in the attack on Ajaero and workers in Imo State. Additionally, they demanded justice for the thugs responsible for the assault on Ajaero in the state.
The closure of the National Assembly complex underscores the unions’ commitment to pressuring authorities until their demands are met.